What is it about?
In this study, we examined the effect of chronic health conditions and socioeconomic status on functional disabilities among older population in Ghana. The study shows that age-related chronic conditions and lower socioeconomic status were significantly associated with functional disabilities. Chronic conditions, such as hypertension and arthritis, were associated with limitations in basic self-care functions. Stroke was associated with limitations in both basic and intermediate self-care functions.
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Why is it important?
Ghana's older population is growing rapidly; similarly, age-related chronic health conditions have also increased significantly. Evidence also points to decline in family support for older persons in Ghana. Currently, the knowledge of the effect of age-related chronic health conditions and socioeconomic status on functional disabilities in Ghana is limited. Our study shows that reducing chronic conditions and improving the socioeconomic status of older persons in Ghana may minimise functional disabilities.
Perspectives
As Ghana's older population continues to grow, policymakers and stakeholders need to direct resources to tackle cardiovascular diseases and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. There is the need to provide adequate social security for older persons, especially the poor and vulnerable to ensure healthy ageing.
Dr. Prince Michael Amegbor
Aarhus Universitet
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Predictors of Basic Self-care and Intermediate Self-care Functional Disabilities among Older Adults in Ghana: Chronic diseases and socioeconomic factors, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, April 2018, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.04.006.
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